Detachable pendulum style tool carrier

ABSTRACT

A wearable tool carrier for wearing by a user to place tools in proximity to the wearer to enable ergonomic use. The wearable tool carrier comprises a strap member configured for placement around the neck of the wearer having a padded region and a first fastener configured for detachable coupling with a corresponding second fastener on a carrier portion. The carrier portion having a plurality of pockets sized to retain a plurality of tools and tool types. A swivel member is in communication with the first and second fasteners to enable rotation of the carrier member during use. Accordingly, the user can easily swap out carrier portions depending upon the task and enables use of the carrier within tight or confined spaces.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application: 63/093,411 filed 19 Oct. 2020 entitled DETACHABLE PENDULUM TOOL CARRIER to the above-named inventors, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to wearable tool holder configured to carry and hold tools for easy access by a wearer of the tool holder. In another aspect, the invention relates to a wearable and detachable tool holding pouch configured for wearing around the neck area/region of a wearer and capable being dangled from the neck, similar to a pendulum, to keep a plurality of tools in proximity for retrieval by the wearer within tight spaces.

BACKGROUND

In the tool industry, it is known to use a container to hold and organize tools until they are needed. Most generally these containers are provided in the form of boxes, chests, pouches, buckets, or belts. Although these containers are generally useful in most situations, they can be problematic to use is small spaces or tightly confined areas. More particularly, the use of tools in confined spaces, such as but not limited to, crawl spaces, areas behind appliances, and small closets, can cause the user the need to reach, twist, or stretch to grab a tool from the container in a location outside of the confined space or at a position that is not easily accessible within the space. This reaching, twisting, and stretching is not ergonomic and can result in injury.

Within the prior art, U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2016/0058165 entitled “Harness System” discloses a tool yoke or modified lanyard having a semi-rigid platform for the securing of tools. This harness system is generally configured for use only upon a single side and is not designed for use in tight spaces as it is adapted to resist swinging or pendulum movement during use. U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,398 entitled “Multi-Purpose Wallet/Cellular Telephone Case” discloses a wallet like device having a lanyard configured for wearing around the neck of the user. Much like the device of the '165 reference, this device is also sided and not configured for use within tight spaces and designed to allow for movement during use.

Accordingly, there exists a need a need for an improved tool carrying and organizing device that is specifically configured for use within confined spaces. The improved carrier is supported around the neck of the wearer to place the tools in immediate proximity to the wearer of the carrier for easy retrieval during use and adapted to allow for rotation during use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, this disclosure is related to tool carriers.

In another aspect, this disclosure is related to wearable tool carriers.

The tool carrier of the present disclosure is most generally configured of a strap portion coupled to a carrier portion in a detachable assembly with the strap portion having sufficient strength to support the carrier portion and sized for receipt around the neck of a wearer.

The strap portion including a moveable pad capable of alignment against the neck region of the wearer and configured to provide comfort to the wearer during use. Preferably, this strap portion is adjustable and comprised of a durable and strong material, such as, but not limited to, nylon webbing or tactical webbing as it is sometimes called. The strap portion generally forming a loop for placement around this neck region culminating in a first fastening element for a removable coupling to the carrier portion.

The first fastening element of the strap portion may include a swivel member to enable rotation of the carrier portion during use, wherein the carrier portion is generally suspended downward dangling from the neck of the wearer, similar to a pendulum, opposite the head of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, this first fastening element is preferably a buckle to ensure a solid coupling with a corresponding second fastening element on the carrier portion.

The carrier portion is configured with a plurality of pockets, generally in the form of divided sections provided for the receipt of a plurality of tools for a given task. In the preferred assembly, the carrier portion is provided in a sided assembly with a first side and a second side opposed the first side and including a central cavity positioned between the first side and the second side. Each of the first side and the second side having a plurality of pockets to retain tools needed for a particular job or task with the central cavity being a larger pocket for bigger items or bulky tools. In the preferred assembly, this carrier portion is generally constructed out of a durable fabric that enables some flexibility or resiliency in the pockets of the carrier portion sides. The carrier portion including an upper side having the second fastening portion which is configured for a mated coupling in a removable assembly with the first fastening element, such as, but not limited to, the buckle of the strap portion. The second fastening element including a coupling with the swivel member to enable the carrier portion to rotate about the swivel to prevent twisting and binding of the strap portion. Accordingly, the swivel member can be integrated within or placed adjacent to each of the first fastening element or the second fastening element or both the first fastening element and the second fastening element.

In a preferred assembly, the removable and detachable carrier portion enables a user to have multiple carrier portions with a variety of alternate tool sets to enable a user to easily swap out one specific carrier portion for another carrier portion dependent upon the task or tool types required.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front side view of device, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a view of device being worn, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 is a view of device being suspend during use to complete a task, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

The device of the present disclosure is most generally directed to a detachable pendulum style tool carrier. The tool carrier of the present disclosure is specifically configured for wearing by a user around a neck region of the user, wherein the carrier is suspended from the neck, similar to a pendulum, to place the tool carrier in immediate proximity to the wearer for the easy retrieval of tools placed within the carrier during use. During use, the device is provided in an assembly that allows for the detachment and replacement of alternate tool carrier portions for use in specific tasks or with specific tool sets.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 of the detachable pendulum style tool carrier of the present disclosure and generally referred to herein as device 10. The device 10 is comprised of a pair of main components in the form of a strap portion 100 configured for detachable coupling with a carrier portion 150. The device 10 is configured for wearing around a neck region of a user 1 of the device 10, wherein, during use, the device 10 will dangle from this anatomical region similar to a pendulum.

The strap portion 100 including a pad 101 to offer comfort during wearing of the device 10. The pad 101 is movable along a length of the strap portion 100, wherein it can be positioned in an alignment with the neck, particularly the back of the neck, of the wearer 1 and configured to provide padded resting support to the wearer 1 during use of the device 10. Accordingly, this pad 101 generally anchors the device 10 against the wearer's body where the device 10 will hang or dangle from this anchor point in a pendulum fashion. The strap portion 100 length is adjustable to enable for customization of the pendulum-like hanging of the device 10 during use. Preferably, the strap portion 100 adjustable length is accomplished through the use of a first fastener 102, preferably being a buckle or other similar fastening assembly, configured to enable adjustment of a length of a circumference of the strap portion 100 to generally form a loop surrounding the neck of the wearer 1. The first fastener 102, accordingly, is positioned at an end 120 of the strap portion 100 to generally close the loop. Preferably, the strap portion 100 is comprised of a durable and strong material, such as, but not limited to, nylon webbing or tactical webbing as it sometimes called.

The first fastener 102 operating to detachably couple with a corresponding second fastener 155 on the carrier portion 150 for affixing the strap portion 100 and the carrier portion 150 together. The first fastener 102 may include or utilize a swivel member 121 in an adjacent position to enable rotation of the carrier portion 150 during use, wherein the carrier portion 150 is generally suspended downward from the neck of the wearer 1 opposite the head region of the wearer 1.

The carrier portion 150 includes a plurality of pockets 151 in the form of divided sections generally having a size and shape for the receipt of a plurality of tools 2 for a given task. In the preferred assembly, the carrier portion 150 is provided in a sided assembly with a first side and a second side opposed the first side. The carrier portion 150 includes a central cavity 152 with an opening positioned between the first side and the second side, generally useful as the largest pocket of the carrier portion 150. Accordingly, each of the first side and the second side have a plurality of pockets 151 to retain tools 2 needed for a particular job or task with the central cavity 152 being a larger pocket for bigger items or bulky tools. In the preferred assembly and material construction of the device 10, the carrier portion 150 is constructed out of a fabric that enables for some flexibility in the pockets 151. The carrier portion 150 including an upper side 153 aligned adjacent to the opening of the central cavity 152 with the second fastener 155 configured for coupling in a detachable assembly with the corresponding first fastener 102 positioned at the end 120 of the strap portion 100. The first fastener 102 and the second fastener 155 working in a cooperative assembly to enable the removable coupling between the strap portion 100 and the carrier portion 150. Accordingly, the coupling of the first fastener 102 and the second fastener 155 engages the carrier portion 150 to the swivel member 121, wherein the coupling enables the carrier portion 150 to rotate about the swivel member 121 to prevent twisting and binding of the strap portion 100 during use of the device 10.

The swivel member 121 can be provided in a position that is integrated within each of the first fastener 102 or the second fastener 155 or alternately placed adjacent to each of the first fastener 102 and the second fastener 155 through a second swivel member or alternately placed adjacent to only one of the first fastener 102 or the second fastener 155. In this positioning, the swivel member 121 is capable of enabling easy rotation of the carrier portion 150 during use and during the pendulum-like positioning of device 10 during use. Accordingly, the sided nature of the carrier portion 150 is easier to access by rotating the swivel member 121.

In the preferred assembly, the removable carrier portion 150 enables a user 1 to have multiple carrier portions 150 with a variety of alternate tools 2 or sets of tools 2 to enable the user/wearer 1 to easily swap out one carrier member 150 for another carrier member 150 dependent upon the task or tool 2 types required for a given job.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable tool carrying device for a wearer, the device comprising: a strap member, the strap member having a length and a first fastener, the strap member adapted to be placed around a neck of the wearer; a carrier portion, the carrier portion having a plurality of pockets and a second fastener, the second fastener configured for a coupling with the first fastener in a detachable assembly; and a swivel member, the swivel member coupled to at least one of the first fastener and the second fastener to allow rotation of the carrier portion during use, wherein the device is configured for wearing and pendulum like hanging during use.
 2. The wearable tool carrying device as in claim 1, wherein the strap member includes a movable pad along a length of the strap member, wherein the movable pad is configured to provide comfort to the wearer during use.
 3. The wearable tool carrying device as in claim 2, wherein the strap member length is adjustable.
 4. The wearable tool carrying device as in claim 1, wherein the carrier portion has a first side and a second side with each of the first side and the second side having a plurality of pockets.
 5. The wearable tool carrying device as in claim 4, wherein the carrier portion includes a central cavity, the central cavity positioned between the first side and the second side and defining an opening on an upper side to provide access to the central cavity.
 6. The wearable tool carrying device as in claim 5, wherein the carrier portion is comprised of a fabric material.
 7. A tool carrying and organizing device configured for wearing around a neck of a wearer, the tool carrying device comprising: a strap member, the strap member having a length culminating in an end to define a closed loop, wherein the strap length is adjustable to define a circumference of the strap member, the strap member having a first fastener positioned adjacent to the end; a carrier portion, the carrier portion having a first side, a second side opposed the first side, and an upper side, each of the first side and the second side having a plurality of pockets, a second fastener is positioned on the upper side and configured for a coupling with the first fastener in a detachable assembly; and a swivel member, the swivel member coupled to at least one of the first fastener and the second fastener to allow rotation of the carrier portion during use, wherein the device is configured for wearing and pendulum like hanging during use.
 8. The tool carrying and organizing device as in claim 7, wherein the strap member includes a movable pad along the length of the strap member, wherein the movable pad is configured to provide comfort to the wearer during use of the device.
 9. The tool carrying and organizing device as in claim 7, wherein the carrier portion includes a central cavity, the central cavity positioned between the first side and the second side and defining an opening on the upper side to provide access to the central cavity.
 10. The tool carrying and organizing device as in claim 7, wherein the carrier portion is comprised of a fabric material.
 11. The tool carrying and organizing device as in claim 7, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener comprise a buckle.
 12. A carrying device for tools configured for wearing around a neck of a user, the carrying device comprising: a strap member, the strap member having an adjustable length culminating in an end to define a closed loop, wherein the strap length is adjustable to define a circumference of the strap member, the strap member having a first fastener; a carrier portion, the carrier portion having a first side, a second side opposed the first side, a central cavity positioned between the first side and the second side, and an upper side, each of the first side and the second side having a plurality of pockets with the central cavity being a pocket, a second fastener is positioned on the upper side and configured for a coupling with the first fastener in a detachable assembly; and a swivel member, the swivel member coupled to the first fastener to allow rotation of the carrier portion during use, wherein the device is configured for wearing and pendulum like hanging during use.
 13. The carrying device as in claim 12, wherein the strap member includes a movable pad configured for movement along the length of the strap member, wherein the movable pad is configured for alignment with neck region during use to provide comfort to the wearer during use of the device.
 14. The carrying device as in claim 13, wherein the swivel member is integrated within the first fastener.
 15. The carrying device as in claim 12, wherein the swivel member is coupled to the second fastener.
 16. The carrying device as in claim 15, wherein the swivel member is integrated within the second fastener.
 17. The carrying device as in claim 12, wherein a second swivel member is coupled to the second fastener.
 18. The carrying device as in claim 12, wherein the carrier portion is comprised of a fabric material.
 19. The carrying device as in claim 12, wherein the first fastener is positioned adjacent to the end of the strap member and the second fastener is positioned adjacent to the upper side of the carrier portion.
 20. The tool carrying device as in claim 12, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener comprise a buckle. 